Using Trees in the Backyard Landscape

 

Trees form the backbone of backyard landscape design. They have incredible diversity of height, shape, form and ornamental qualities. With a wonderful range of fruit, foliage flowers and even bark to beautify any setting. The passing seasons provide ever-changing interest as new leaves emerge, flowers bloom, fruit appears and foliage drops. Evergreen trees with their consistency bring a sense of permanence and sculpture to a garden.

 

Trees as Part of Backyard Landscape Design

Together with other long-term features such as walls, buildings and , trees form the structure of the garden. In most gardens smaller ornamental trees play a more important role than large species in a backyard landscape. It is vital to select and locate the tree so that it will become an asset rather than a problem. A poorly chosen or badly placed tree could obscure light to other plants or neibours or become a hazard, as it gets larger.

 

bl group of trees7 Using Trees in the Backyard Landscape

Group of Trees in a Backyard Landscape

To decide on the right tree, picture its silhouette against the background you are considering and imagine it’s increasing height and spread, and how it will look at different times of the year. Consider whether you want a multi-stemmed or single trunk. Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually; consider removal of the leaves, fallen blossoms or fruit.

 

Grouping Trees and Single Specimens in the Backyard Landsccape

 

Planting trees in groups can be very effective and dramatic. The group can be relaxed and natural looking or rigidly formal. Odd numbers are always more pleasing to the eye than even numbers. If combining trees of different species make sure that nine will dominate the group by considering their potential height and width.

If you only have a small backyard landscape consider the large scale qualities first –eventual height and spread, silhouette, form, colour and mass before you consider small scale features such as fruit and flowers. Choose a tree to be in scale with its surroundings. Also remember that trees are long lived and will last for decades.Beware the pitfall of choosing a tree that has a brief display of spring flowers and has little benefits for the rest to the year. Consider the location to plant the tree from every viewing angle, indoors and out.

 

Shape and Form in Backyard Landscape Design

A tree’s shape and form determine its purpose and location. In general trees with an upright form and dense growth look more formal than those with an open branched framework. Spreading trees especially evergreens create a wide area of shade which can be a cool retreat in hot weather, but can limit the choice of plants to place below them. The shape of branches in winter of some deciduous trees can be very delicate and attractive. While some ornamental fruit trees can have a more solid appearance. It is important to consider ornamanetal trees in backyard landscape design,

 

 

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